Monday, 22 March 2010

Appeal for Haiti

Yesterday Fr Nelson launched the Rector Major's appeal for Haiti in the parish, and this morning I launched the same appeal in our school.

The Salesians have at least 6 works in the capital city of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, and all 6 have been completely or almost completely destroyed. Besides this, the true tragedy is the loss of the lives of over 500 children and some teachers, and 3 Salesians, 2 of them below the age of 25.

Haiti has the reputation of being one of the poorest countries of the world. Its population is mainly Afro-American, going back to the days of the slave trade, when Africans were brought over in large numbers from their own countries.

When India was in need after the tsunami, the whole world came to our aid. Now, when our brothers and sisters in Haiti are in need, it is our turn to come to their aid.

Keeping in mind the widow's mite - that the generosity and compassion of our hearts is far more important than the size of our contribution - let us express our solidarity with the Salesians of Haiti.